1968 Chrysler 300 convertible

Jason Whitford, 29; Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania

Feature Article from Hemmings Classic Car

Trying to define today's youth can be about as tricky as attempting a body-off restoration using only an adjustable wrench. The use of the letter X to describe them can be found in just about anything they're linked to: The X-Games, X-Box and of course the all- encompassing moniker, Generation X.
Jason Whitford, at first glance, seems like a laid-back fellow who just jumped out of his 1968 Chrysler 300 convertible, dusted it off, and is about to wander around the Carlisle Fairgrounds to scope out the rest of the Mopars that fill the grounds to the bursting point. Tucked far away from the obvious, you'd never know this Chrysler is only one of, at his last count, the 40 cars he has amassed over the last 11 years.
A young man who doesn't throw around words uselessly to describe his army of metal, Jason started his collection off with a 1967 Chevrolet Impala, which he proudly announces he still owns today. At the time, he was only 18. "Mopars and GM, no Fords," is exactly how he began to describe his collection to me. "I find them when I'm out cruising around and see (the cars) sitting around in backyards and whatnot. There are lots of old cars around still, you just have to know where to look for them."
Roughly eight years ago, Jason had been working in the body shop at Bedford Ford, ironically, when he took notice of a gentleman trading in a 1968 Chrysler 300 convertible for a new Ford. "I still don't know why he did that, other than wanting a new car I guess. I never would have traded it, but that's me," he says with a smile. As it turns out, the driver of the Chrysler had been the vehicle's only owner since it left the factory.
"His loss," Jason laughs. "Not long after the owner traded it in, he came back looking for me." He went on to explain that after the trade had been completed between the dealership and the previous owner, Jason found out what Bedford Ford would be willing to sell the Chrysler for. Jason paid a total of $6,500 for the convertible, and began to tackle the minor issues the vehicle had. "There really wasn't anything wrong with it. All it needed was a little cosmetic work and, before long, it was done and as you see it today."
According to Jason, the interior remained as it is today--virtually new--and aside from a little detailing to clean the interior, nothing needed to be replaced or repaired. The chrome bumpers had been a different story though. After 30 years of driving--some of it sporadic--the bumpers and assorted chrome trim, such as the rearview mirror, had begun to not only lose their luster, but had begun to pit as well. Jason removed the parts needing attention, and sent them out to be replated.
While the chrome shop was hard at work, Jason opted to detail the engine bay, as well as the 440-cu.in. engine. First, he removed the engine from the mounts and pulled it out of its resting place under the hood. Again, for the most part, basic cleaning was all that had been required to bring the rest of the compartment back to its former factory look. This had been accomplished quickly since the engine had been pulled.
The 350hp engine did not require a rebuild since the first owner had properly maintained it. However, Jason did opt for a quick tune-up that included a cap, rotor, points, plugs and wires. Having prepped the assembled block, he also checked to make sure all the seals were sound and all of the accessories were in good working order.
By the time Jason had completed the necessary work and reinstalled the engine, the chrome had returned for reinstallation as well. Once completed, Jason would occasionally drive it to work, when, as mentioned, the former owner began looking for him. Jason summed it up with a few simple words: "He wanted to buy it back. He still does, but I'm not selling."
Though Jason no longer works at the Ford dealership, he still loves to drive the Chrysler. "I bring it to the Carlisle All-Chrysler Nationals every year, and aside from that, I just go to a lot of cruises around home." His next project is a newly acquired 1942 Chevy that he says runs, but needs a total restoration.

This article originally appeared in the October, 2006 issue of Hemmings Classic Car.